West Virginia Governor Signs Bill Permitting Carbon Storage Under Parks
Charleston, WV – Governor Jim Justice has signed Senate Bill 162 into law, authorizing the state’s Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to lease state-owned pore spaces beneath state forests, natural and scenic areas, and wildlife management areas for underground carbon sequestration projects. Notably, the legislation explicitly prohibits leasing pore spaces under state parks. (wvlegislature.gov)
The bill establishes a competitive bidding process for these leases, ensuring transparency and fairness. Before entering into any lease, the DNR must publish a Class I legal advertisement in each county where the affected lands are located and on the Division’s main website for at least 14 days. The lease will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder, who must provide a bond for proper performance. However, the DNR retains the authority to reject any and all bids and re-advertise if necessary. (wvlegislature.gov)
This legislative move aligns with West Virginia’s broader efforts to position itself as a leader in carbon capture and storage technologies. In February 2025, the state was granted primacy by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to oversee the permitting and regulation of Class VI wells used for injecting carbon dioxide underground for long-term storage. This authority allows the state to expedite the approval process for carbon sequestration projects, potentially attracting significant investment and creating high-paying jobs. (capito.senate.gov)
While proponents argue that carbon sequestration is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the state’s energy sector, environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with underground carbon storage, including the possibility of leaks and contamination of groundwater supplies. The DNR’s commitment to excluding state parks from these projects aims to address some of these environmental concerns. (wvhighlands.org)
As West Virginia continues to explore and implement carbon capture and storage technologies, the successful integration of these projects will depend on balancing economic development with environmental protection.
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